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Evaluation of computer-aided detection and dual energy software in detection of peripheral pulmonary embolism on dual-energy pulmonary CT angiography

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the sensitivity of computer-aided detection(CAD) and dual-energy software(‘Lung PBV’, ‘Lung Vessels’) for detecting peripheral pulmonary embolism(PE).

Materials and methods

Between Jan-2007 and Jan-2008, 309 patients underwent dual-energy CT angiography(DECTA) for the evaluation of suspected PE. Among them, 37 patients were retrospectively selected; 21 with PE at segmental-or-below levels and 16 without PE according to clinical reports. A standard computer assisted detection (CAD) package and two new types of software(‘Lung PBV’, ‘Lung Vessels’) were applied on a dedicated workstation. This resulted in four alternative tests for detecting PE: DECTA alone and DECTA with CAD, ‘Lung Vessels’ and ‘Lung PBV’. Two radiologists independently read all cases at different reading sessions. Two thoracic radiologists set the reference standard by combining all information from DECTA and software. The sensitivity of detection for all, segmental and subsegmental-or-below PE were assessed.

Results

The reference standard contained 136 PE(segmental 65, subsegmental-or-below 71). With DECTA alone, the sensitivity of detection for all, segmental and subsegmental-or-below pulmonary arteries was 54.5%/73.7%/34.4%; DECTA with CAD, 57.8%/76.8%/37.9%; DECTA with ‘Lung PBV’, 61.1%/79.9%/41.4%; DECTA with ‘Lung Vessels’, 64.0%/78.3%/48.5% respectively.

Conclusion

The use of CAD, Lung Vessels and Lung PBV shows improved capability to detect peripheral PE.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grants from the Korean Health 21 R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (A040153 & A084305).

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Correspondence to Joon Beom Seo.

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Lee, C.W., Seo, J.B., Song, JW. et al. Evaluation of computer-aided detection and dual energy software in detection of peripheral pulmonary embolism on dual-energy pulmonary CT angiography. Eur Radiol 21, 54–62 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1903-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1903-7

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